Quin abbey

Quin Abbey is located about 15 kilometres from the town of Ennis in County Clare.

It was built between 1402 and 1433 by Sioda Cam MacNamara, for Fathers Purcell and Mooney, monks of the Franciscan Order.

Missing most of its roof, the basic structure of the abbey is relatively well preserved.

There is an intact cloister, and many other surviving architectural features make the abbey of significant historical value.

A far earlier monastery had existed on the site, which burned down in 1278.

The Mc Namara dynasty who were prominent in Clare history rebuilt it, but after that there was repeated ransacking and burnings of the abbey by various clans and warlords, the last being Cromwell in 1650.

Now a visitor centre is located near the abbey and the structure and grounds can be visited free of charge.

A caretaker is permanently based at the abbey.

Floodlighting has recently been installed which produces a spectacular sight at night.